Ultrasound Sonography Programs Manassas VA - Become an Ultrasound Technician

How to Find the Right Ultrasound Technician Degree Program near Manassas Virginia

Manassas VA ultrasound technician with patient Once you have decided to pursue an ultrasound technician degree near Manassas VA, it’s time to start the process of choosing a school. First, you have to find the ideal program that will furnish the necessary instruction to become a qualified professional. And because some states do require that sonographers be either certified or licensed, depending on your residence you may also need to be prepared to pass a licensing or certification examination. So it’s extremely important that you investigate each program so that you can evaluate and compare your choices. But just where does one start? Most potential students will begin by looking for colleges that are within commuting distance of their homes and then by comparing tuition. Of course location and cost need to be taken into account when arriving at a decision, but there are other important factors also. For example, if the ultrasound technician schools have earned accreditation or if they offer internship programs. These and additional qualifiers will be discussed more in depth later in this post. But to start with, let’s review what an ultrasound tech does and the degrees and online education options that are available.

Sonographer Work Description

Manassas VA sonographer testing pregnant woman There are multiple professional titles for ultrasound techs (technicians). They are also called sonogram techs, diagnostic medical sonographers (or just sonographers) and ultrasound technologists. No matter what their title is, they all have the same basic job function, which is to implement diagnostic ultrasound procedures on patients. Although a number of techs practice as generalists there are specialties within the profession, for instance in pediatrics and cardiology. Most work in Manassas VA clinics, hospitals, outpatient diagnostic imaging centers and even private practices. Standard daily job tasks of a sonogram tech may involve:

Maintaining records of patient medical histories and specifics of each procedure
Counseling patients by explaining the procedures and answering questions
Readying the ultrasound machines for usage and then sterilizing and recalibrating them
Moving patients to treatment rooms and ensuring their comfort
Operating equipment while minimizing patient exposure to sound waves
Reviewing the results and determining need for supplemental testing

Ultrasound techs must routinely evaluate the safety and performance of their machines. They also must adhere to a high professional standard and code of conduct as medical practitioners. So as to maintain that degree of professionalism and remain up to date with medical knowledge, they are mandated to enroll in continuing education courses on an ongoing basis.

Ultrasound Technician Degrees Offered

Manassas VA ultrasound tech testing pregnant woman Sonogram technician enrollees have the choice to acquire either an Associate or a Bachelor’s Degree. An Associate Degree will typically require around 18 months to 2 years to accomplish based upon the program and class load. A Bachelor’s Degree will require more time at as long as 4 years to finalize. Another option for those who have previously obtained a college degree is a post graduate certificate program. If you have earned a Bachelor’s Degree in any major or an Associate Degree in a relevant medical sector, you can instead choose a certificate program that will take just 12 to 18 months to finish. One thing to keep in mind is that the majority of sonographer schools do have a clinical training component as a portion of their course of study. It often may be satisfied by participating in an internship program which numerous schools set up with Manassas VA clinics and hospitals. When you have graduated from any of the degree or certificate programs, you will then need to satisfy the certification or licensing requirements in Virginia or whichever state you elect to practice in.

Sonogram Tech Online Schools

woman attending online sonography school in Manassas VA As previously mentioned, virtually all sonogram tech colleges have a clinical requirement to their programs. So although you can obtain a certificate or degree online, a substantial part of the training will be either carried out in an on campus lab or at an authorized off campus medical care provider. Clinical training can typically be fulfilled by means of an internship at a local Manassas VA outpatient clinic, hospital or family practice. However the balance of the classes and training may be attended online in your Manassas home. This is especially beneficial for those students that continue working while getting their degrees. Plus online schools are frequently less expensive than on campus alternatives. Expenditures for commuting and study materials may be lessened also. But just as with any sonographer college you are looking at, verify that the online school you select is accredited. Among the most highly regarded accrediting agencies is the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP). Accreditation is particularly significant for licensing, certification and finding employment (more on accreditation later). So if you are dedicated enough to attend classes outside of the classroom in the comfort of your own home, then an online school may be the right option for you.

Topics to Ask Sonogram Tech Programs

Questions to ask Manassas VA ultrasound tech schools Now that you have determined the type of certificate or degree that you would like to obtain, you can initiate the procedure of assessing and comparing sonogram technician schools. You may first want to decide whether you will attend classes online or travel to a school campus in the Manassas VA area. Obviously location will be critical if you decide on the latter, and the cost of tuition no doubt will be an important qualification as well. But there are other factors that you must also take into account, for example if the programs are accredited and if they provide internship programs. Therefore in order to complete your due diligence so that you can arrive at your ultimate selection, following are some questions that you need ask each sonographer program prior to making a decision.

Are the Sonogram Tech Schools Accredited? The majority of ultrasound technician colleges have received some type of accreditation, whether national or regional. Nevertheless, it’s still imperative to make sure that the school and program are accredited. Among the most highly respected accrediting agencies in the field of sonography is the Joint Review Committee on Education in Diagnostic Medical Sonography (JRC-DMS). Programs obtaining accreditation from the JRC-DMS have undergone an extensive review of their instructors and educational materials. If the college is online it can also earn accreditation from the Distance Education and Training Council, which targets distance or online education. All accrediting organizations should be acknowledged by the U.S. Department of Education or the Council on Higher Education Accreditation. Along with guaranteeing a quality education, accreditation will also assist in obtaining financial aid and student loans, which are often not accessible for non-accredited schools. Accreditation can also be a pre-requisite for certification and licensing as required. And many Manassas VA health facilities will only hire a graduate of an accredited college for entry level positions.

Are Internship Programs Provided? Inquire if the ultrasound technician colleges you are assessing have partnerships with Manassas VA clinics or hospitals for internship programs. Internships are not only a terrific manner to obtain hands on training in a clinical setting, they are also a way to fulfill the practical training requirement for most programs. As an ancillary benefit, they may help students and graduates establish professional connections in the Manassas health care community and assist with job placement.

Is Job Placement Help provided? You will most likely want to secure employment quickly after graduation, but finding that first job in a new field can be challenging without support. Find out if the ultrasound tech programs you are considering have job assistance programs and what their success rates are. High and rapid placement rates are an excellent indication that the schools have sizable networks and great relationships with Virginia healthcare employers. It also corroborates that their students are highly regarded and in demand.

Where is the Program Located? For a number of students, the school they choose will have to be within commuting distance of their Manassas VA home. Individuals who have opted to attend online classes obviously will not have to concern themselves with the location of the campus. However, the availability of local internships will be of importance. One thing to consider is that if you decide to enroll in a school that is out of state or perhaps out of your local area, you might be required to pay a higher tuition. State colleges usually charge higher tuitions for out of state residents. And community colleges commonly charge a higher tuition to those students that don’t reside within their districts.

How Large are the Classes ? Unless you are the type of person that likes to sit way in the back of class or hide in the crowd, you will undoubtedly prefer a small class size. Smaller classes allow for more individual participation and personalized instruction. Ask the schools you are considering what the average student to teacher ratio is for their classes. If practical you may prefer to monitor one or more classes before making your final determination. This will also give you a chance to speak with some of the instructors and students to get their perspectives regarding the ultrasound technician program as well.

Does the College Accommodate your Schedule? And last you need to verify that the ultrasound tech school you finally pick can furnish the class schedule you need. This is especially essential if you opt to continue working while attending classes. If you need to schedule night or weekend classes in the Manassas VA area, confirm that they are available. If you can only enroll on a part-time basis, check if that is an option and how many courses or credit hours you would need to enroll in. Also, find out what the protocol is for making up any classes that you may miss due to work, illness or family emergencies.

Enrolling in an Ultrasound Tech Program near Manassas VA?

If you are considering a Sonography Tech School near Manassas Virginia, following is some interesting background information about the location of your new school campus.

Manassas, Virginia

Manassas (formerly Manassas Junction)[4] is an independent city in the Commonwealth of Virginia. As of the 2010 Census, the population was 37,821.[5] The city borders Prince William County, and the independent city of Manassas Park, Virginia. The Bureau of Economic Analysis includes both Manassas and Manassas Park with Prince William County for statistical purposes.

Manassas also serves as the seat of Prince William County. It surrounds the 38-acre (150,000 m2) county courthouse, but that county property is not part of the city. The City of Manassas has several important historic sites from the period 1850–1870.

In July 1861, the First Battle of Manassas – also known as the First Battle of Bull Run – the first major land battle of the American Civil War, was fought nearby. Manassas commemorated the 150th anniversary of the First Battle of Manassas during July 21–24, 2011.[6]

The Second Battle of Manassas (or the Second Battle of Bull Run) was fought near Manassas during August 28–30, 1862. At that time, Manassas Junction was little more than a railroad crossing, but a strategic one, with rails leading to Richmond, Virginia, Washington, D.C., and the Shenandoah Valley. Despite these two Confederate victories, Manassas Junction was in Union hands for most of the war.

Find the Right Ultrasound Sonography Programs Manassas VA

Enrolling in the right ultrasound technician degree or certificate program is a vital first step to embarking on a fulfilling new career furnishing diagnostic services to patients. Ultrasound technician programs require that you have earned a high school diploma or a GED. Apart from satisfying academic requirements, you need to be in at least fairly good physical health, able to stand for lengthy durations with the ability to routinely lift weights of fifty pounds or more, as is it frequently necessary to adjust patients and move heavy machines. Additional preferred talents include technical proficiency, the ability to keep calm when faced with an angry or anxious patient and the ability to communicate clearly and compassionately. You originally came to this website due to an interest in Ultrasound Sonography Programs. However, as we have discussed in this article, there are several questions that you need to ask each college you are reviewing. This holds true whether you choose an online program or commute to the school campus to attend classes. And by asking the right questions so that you can compare each college, you can narrow down your options until you are left with the best program for your education. And with the right training, dedication and determination to succeed, you can realize your objective to work as an ultrasound technologist in Manassas VA.